Snow, strong winds, and rain are expected to create difficult travel conditions across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Travel Tour & World
As Canadians prepare for the Thanksgiving long weekend, people across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are facing an early taste of winter. A powerful storm system is bringing snow, rain, and strong winds across the Prairies, making travel difficult for those heading home for the holiday.
The system began sweeping through Alberta on Friday and has since expanded eastward, blanketing much of the region in snow and slush. Gusty winds, heavy rain, and even isolated thunderstorms have added to the chaos.
Snow, Rain, and Wind Cause Travel Delays
By Saturday morning, snow was already covering parts of Alberta and western Saskatchewan, with communities like Kindersley and North Battleford reporting slippery roads and poor visibility. In Calgary and Medicine Hat, wind gusts reached up to 70 km/h, while Winnipeg saw speeds near 65 km/h. Forecasters expect gusts to rise above 80 km/h in some areas by Sunday night.
While Alberta and Saskatchewan are dealing with blowing snow, southern Manitoba is getting soaked by heavy rain. In Regina, the rainfall is expected to shift to snow as temperatures drop through the weekend.
The combination of snow, wind, and rain has already caused flight delays, difficult driving conditions, and reduced visibility across highways. Travelers are urged to plan ahead and stay updated on weather advisories.
Sharp Temperature Drop Across the Prairies
The storm has brought a major shift in temperatures. On Friday, parts of southern Saskatchewan enjoyed daytime highs above 27°C. But by Sunday, the same areas dropped close to freezing.
Thompson, Manitoba, is expected to see the most snow, with forecasts predicting up to 15 cm of accumulation. The snowfall, paired with strong winds, will make driving especially risky in open areas.
Thanksgiving Travel Plans in Jeopardy
With millions of Canadians planning family visits and road trips for Thanksgiving, the storm couldn’t come at a worse time. Many major routes, including parts of the Trans-Canada Highway, may experience icy stretches and whiteout conditions.
Air travellers should also brace for potential flight cancellations and delays as the storm moves eastward. Airlines have already warned passengers to monitor schedules closely.
“Conditions can change quickly,” meteorologists said, urging people to allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips.
Safety Tips for the Weekend
Officials have shared key safety reminders for those who must travel during the storm:
- Check forecasts frequently before heading out.
- Allow extra time for driving or flights.
- Slow down and keep distance from other vehicles.
- Prepare for power outages caused by strong winds.
- Stay indoors whenever possible to avoid dangerous conditions.
Cold Weather to Continue Next Week
The storm is expected to move out of the region early next week, but the cold air will stay behind. Temperatures across the Prairies are forecast to remain below seasonal averages for several days.
Meteorologists say the early snow is a reminder that winter is fast approaching — even if it’s only mid-October.
